Best JRPGs For Children, Ranked

Growing up, many gamers have fond memories of playing handhelds dangerously close to their faces or sprawling out in front of home consoles. These are some of our most cherished memories — especially during rainy days or when they could convince their parents they were too sick to go to school. For many, JRPGs were the perfect escape. Bright visuals and hours of content made them the ultimate time-sink for kids without responsibilities — or back pain from sitting too long.

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It’s no wonder that many parents now want to pass on those cherished experiences to their own children, at least before Fortnite and Call of Duty inevitably take over. Here are some of the best JRPGs for younger children — or for anyone looking for an entry-level experience to ease them into this new world.

10

Secret Of Mana (HD Remaster)

All Manner Of Fun

Systems

Released

February 15, 2018

ESRB

E10+ For Everyone 10+ // Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes

Developer(s)

Square Enix

Publisher(s)

Square Enix

For gamers who want to introduce their kids to one of the greatest JRPGs ever but with a more accessible lick of paint, the Secret of Mana remaster is the perfect answer. Originally released in 1993, the Mana franchise’s most cherished entry gets a vibrant chibi 3D makeover.

Beyond the visual refresh, the remaster includes player-friendly updates like an area map, more frequent save points, and voice acting that brings the story to life. While some nostalgic adults might not love the redesigns, newcomers won’t know any different — lucky them!

9

Ever Oasis

Anyway, Here’s Wonderwall

7/10

Ever Oasis

Systems

Released

June 23, 2017

ESRB

e

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

Expand

Hardcore JRPG fans will recognize Koichi Ishii as the mastermind behind the Mana series and the creator of the iconic Chocobo and Moogle from Final Fantasy. Later in his career, Ishii directed another kid-friendly classic: Ever Oasis.

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This charming 3DS title blends JRPG elements with a sprinkle of Animal Crossing. Players control a Seedling with magical powers that lets them create an oasis on a desolate desert planet. Thanks to a helpful tutorial, simple combat mechanics, and a straightforward UI, Ever Oasis is an accessible adventure for young players that still offers plenty of charm for older ones.

8

Yo-Kai Watch 3

Pokeballs For The Wrist

Yo-kai Watch 3

Systems

Released

February 8, 2019

Developer(s)

Level-5

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

OpenCritic Rating

Strong

If there’s one takeaway from this list, it’s that Level-5 is a go-to developer for kid-friendly JRPGs. Yo-kai Watch 3 is one of their finest offerings. Despite the number in the title, newcomers can jump right into this standalone title without worrying about previous games — there’s no complex world-building to untangle.

Players control dual protagonists who wield the Yo-kai Watch, granting them the ability to see, befriend, and summon Pokémon Yo-kai. It has everything a kid would love from a 3DS game, from exploration and simple puzzle-solving to engaging turn-based combat. Sadly, it was the last entry released internationally.

7

Final Fantasy Mystic Quest

The Most Inaccessible Accessible Game

Systems

Released

October 5, 1992

Developer(s)

Square

Publisher(s)

Square

For parents eager to transport their kids back to the early ’90s, Final Fantasy Mystic Quest serves as the perfect time machine. Widely regarded as the most accessible entry-level Final Fantasy game, it’s well-suited for little gamers.

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Upon release, the game was criticized for being too easy and having simplistic graphics and a basic plot — exactly the right combination for kids still getting the hang of the genre! However, there’s one big kicker: nostalgic parents will need to dig out an old SNES or get creative to enjoy this charming classic.

6

Super Mario RPG

Iconic Turn-Based Plumbing

Systems

Released

November 17, 2023

Developer(s)

Nintendo

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Super Mario RPG is a perfect fit for kids who love Mario but struggle with tougher platformers. It’s essentially a Final Fantasy game with a Mario twist, bringing the iconic plumber into the JRPG genre for the first time. And thanks to the 2023 remake, younger players now have a great way to experience it.

Boasting full 3D graphics, this newer version lets players control Mario, Bowser, Princess Peach (formally known as Princess Toadstool), and newcomers Mallow and Geno. It’s a simple RPG that won’t overwhelm young minds, but it offers plenty of fun and joy along the way.

5

Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch

All Kids Want A Welsh Sidekick

Released

September 20, 2019

Developer(s)

Level-5

Publisher(s)

Namco Bandai

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Every kid should experience the magic of a Studio Ghibli production. While some films may be a bit too heavy (for Totoro’s sake, don’t show them Grave of the Fireflies), the kid-friendly ones can be life-changing. Lucky for gamers, Level-5 partnered with the legendary studio to create Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch.

This Pokémon-inspired JRPG delivers stunning hand-drawn cutscenes and one of the best stories in the medium. It’s packed with delightful gameplay, oodles of whimsy, and a lovable Welsh fairy sidekick who guides players on their journey. What more could anyone ask for?

4

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door (Remake)

Perfect For 5-Year-Olds, Not Thousand-Year-Olds

Systems

Released

May 23, 2024

Developer(s)

Nintendo

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

When Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door originally released in 2004 for the GameCube, it was hailed as one of the best Mario games ever made and one of the greatest games of all time. What made it so special was its ability to beautifully blend whimsical storytelling and traditional JRPG mechanics, managing to captivate both younger and older fans alike.

So, when Nintendo announced a remake, the world stopped, held its breath, and crossed its fingers, hoping they wouldn’t screw it up. Fortunately, it was a hit! The remake not only stayed true to the original but also made it more accessible for newcomers with improved visuals and quality-of-life enhancements.

3

Dragon Quest 11: Echoes Of An Elusive Age

Dragon Ball Lite

Released

September 27, 2019

Publisher(s)

Nintendo, Square Enix

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

Unfortunately for impatient parents who are fans of the franchise, Dragon Ball Z is geared more towards the older end of a PG audience. However, there are other methods of introducing their kids to the mesmerizing works of Akira Toriyama — and that is the vibrant world of Dragon Quest, another of Toriyama’s creations.

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Dragon Quest is an absolute phenomenon in Japan, and for good reason. It combines the character design wizardry of the aforementioned Dragon Ball creator with the JRPG gameplay fans know and love. While there are plenty of entries to choose from, players can’t go wrong with the latest one: Dragon Quest XI. It features incredibly charming characters, an easy-to-follow plot, and one of the best localizations the series has seen.

2

Kingdom Hearts (Series)

Young Hearts Be Free Tonight

Systems

Released

September 17, 2002

Kids love Disney, and any parent who’s heard “Let it Go” a thousand times can attest to that. So, what better way to introduce them to JRPGs than Kingdom Hearts? This sprawling series brings together a ton of beloved Disney IPs — like Aladdin, The Lion King, and Frozen — and blends them up with loads of Final Fantasy goodness.

The games are beautifully designed with fast-paced combat that’s easy for kids to grasp. Plus, the heartfelt story about friendship and loyalty makes it a perfect choice for young ones as they navigate the world. It’s an adventure packed with magic, wonder, and unique and surprising interactions between Disney and Final Fantasy characters.

1

Pokemon (Series)

No Surprises Here

Systems

Released

February 27, 1996

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Who didn’t play a Pokémon game growing up? It’s practically a rite of passage for anyone not living under a rock. The franchise shows no signs of slowing down, and fans can pick just about any entry with their eyes closed and still have a blast.

With its fantastic game loops, addictive collecting mechanics, and fun gameplay, it’s no wonder the series is considered catnip for kids. But parents, don’t be too upset when your kids can recall more Pokémon names than they can elements from the periodic table!

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